Building Your [Top 10] Wellness Activities

The Need for a Concrete and Predefined Plan

When we find ourselves in a state of overwhelm, stress or hopelessness, our ability to think clearly and make decisions is drastically impaired.

In those moments of emotional crisis, trying to improvise a self-care strategy is an almost impossible task.

It is like trying to navigate in a storm without a map or compass; the mind is too busy managing the immediate discomfort to remember what activities might make us feel better.

For this reason, it is critical to build a self-care plan proactively, during a period of calm and lucidity.

This plan acts as a first aid kit for our mental health.

One of the most effective ways to structure it is by creating a "Top 10 List": a list of ten specific activities that, from experience or intuition, we know have a positive effect on our well-being.

Having this list provides us with a clear and accessible roadmap to turn to when we need it most, eliminating the burden of having to decide what to do in a moment of vulnerability.

The Creation Process: Deep Reflection and Diversity

Developing your "Top 10" should begin with an exercise in honest, non-judgmental reflection.

Spend some time thinking about the activities you would ideally like to do to take care of yourself.

In this initial phase, don't limit yourself by practicality or cost; allow your mind to explore a wide range of possibilities.

To ensure a balanced list, consider different categories of activities that nurture different facets of your being.

Ask yourself:

• What relaxes you (e.g., reading a book, listening to a quiet podcast)?
• What energizes you (e.g., dancing, taking a brisk walk)?
• What connects you to yourself (e.g. meditating, journaling)?
• What fosters your social connections (e.g., calling a good friend, hosting a dinner party)?
• What awakens your creative side (e.g., visiting an art gallery, practicing a craft hobby)?

Your list should be a heterogeneous mix that reflects your unique interests, combining simple activities with more elaborate ones.

Balancing Cost, Time and Accessibility

A common mistake is to associate self-care with costly or time-consuming activities.

For your plan to be truly effective and sustainable, your "Top 10" should be diverse in terms of financial and time investment.

It is crucial to include activities that are completely free, such as taking a walk in a nearby park, doing a stretching session at home, meditating for five minutes or simply enjoying a cup of tea in silence.

These are often the most powerful tools because of their immediate accessibility.

At the same time, if your budget allows, you can add options that involve an expense, such as planning a spa treatment, signing up for a class in something you've always wanted to learn, or participating in an adventure activity.

The key is to have a range of options, from a five-minute micro-break to a more immersive experience, so you always have a viable alternative no matter your circumstances.

Examples to Inspire Your Own List

To help you get started, here are a series of examples that you can adapt to your personal tastes.

Remember that there are no right or wrong answers; the important thing is that the activity resonates with you:

Taking a mindful walk in a natural setting (a forest, the beach, a park).

Listening to a favorite music album from beginning to end, without interruption.

Having an unhurried phone conversation with a supportive friend or family member.

Spending 30 minutes on a creative hobby (drawing, writing, playing an instrument).

Carefully prepare a nutritious and delicious meal just for you.

Do a gentle yoga or stretching session guided by a video.

Visiting a quiet place in your city that inspires peace, such as a library or botanical garden.

Take a long, relaxing bath with salts or essential oils.

Plan a massage session or personal wellness treatment.

Participate in an activity that represents a dream or personal challenge, such as a sailing or rock climbing class.

Summary

In times of crisis it is difficult to think clearly. Therefore, it is critical to build a self-care plan beforehand, such as a "Top 10 List" that acts as a first aid kit for your mental health.

The creation process requires honest reflection on what nourishes you in different categories: relaxation, energy, creativity and social connection. The list should be a diverse mix that reflects your unique and personal interests and needs.

To make the plan always workable, balance cost and time. Include free and quick activities along with more elaborate ones, ensuring you always have an affordable option to take care of your well-being in any circumstance.